Visibility might be good on a clear and sunny day, but once it turns to night and when the weather takes a turn, you'll have to rely on your Honda's headlights to keep you safe. Your Honda's headlights accomplish this by lighting up the road and marking its silhouette, allowing you to see the road ahead and making other drivers aware of your presence in inclement weather and situations when visibility is impaired. Apart from this primary function, vehicle headlights are often shaped according to the brand and model's design language, giving the front fascia its characteristic look. If, for whatever reason, you need to replace your Honda's headlights, make sure you know all there is to know, such as the options available, how to maintain your new purchase, and more--all of these can be found in this article.

Sourcing Honda Headlights (OEM vs. Aftermarket)

Brand new Hondas come with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) headlights made by its authorized manufacturers. Honda headlights made by third-party manufacturers and usable in Hondas fall under the "Aftermarket" parts category.

Unless your Honda's headlights are out of production and impossible to find, we recommend investing in original Honda headlights to return your car to its original level of performance. Because of the more stringent levels of manufacturing, you'll likely get more use out of an OEM replacement. Aftermarket headlights offer more customization options, such as different colors. However, installing them may void Honda's warranty and even cause damage to your car. Moreover, they might not even fit into your Honda properly. With safety-related parts like the headlights, it's prudent to avoid taking chances and to go with the original.

Honda Headlight Bulb Types

Halogen

Halogen headlights are the most common type and have been the industry standard for decades. They use an incandescent bulb filled with halogen gas, which raises the light intensity and projector output.

These are usually the cheapest type of headlights, so besides being used in older Hondas, entry-level models will also come with them. However, they are gradually being phased out for LED lights. Also, in some models, the halogen headlights are paired with LED-based daytime running lights.

LED

Light-emitting diodes, or LEDs for short, are relatively recent, but they are steadily becoming the industry standard. They are long-lasting and can convert most of the electrical energy supplied into light energy, making them more efficient than other headlights. Furthermore, they are much brighter than the older halogen bulbs, allowing carmakers to use smaller and thinner headlight designs in their vehicles.

The downside to LEDs is that although they might save energy and preserve the lifespan of your vehicle's battery, they usually come with a higher price tag.

High-Intensity Discharge (HID)

Also known as Xenon headlights, High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights are long-lasting and energy-efficient. They can also be very bright--up to three times as bright as standard halogen bulbs. As with LEDs, HID headlights are more expensive.

HID headlights for Hondas are usually available as aftermarket parts. Because of their extreme brightness, they might be illegal on your country's roads.

Adaptive Front-Lighting System (AFS)

Some Hondas come with auto-leveling headlights, which adjust their angle up or down based on the vehicle's incline to prevent glare from oncoming cars and provide better visibility.

Adaptive Headlight Technology

Honda headlights can feature the Adaptive Front-Lighting System, a more advanced type of auto-leveling headlights. The system can control the beam angle side to side and up or down depending on the steering wheel angle, vehicle load, and road condition, providing better illumination when taking bends or making turns. The system also uses sensors to detect approaching vehicles and adjust the lights to prevent direct glare to other drivers.

How Different Types of Headlights Affect Visibility & Safety

A general rule of thumb is that brightness decreases as the color temperature goes into the extremely cool end of blue and purple, and visibility begins to drop off. This is why the preferred color of HID and LED lights is usually day white at around 6,000k, which provides good visibility and accuracy of color (of road signs).

Halogen bulbs have a color temperature of around 3,000k or a golden yellow light. These are relatively dim, which leaves no surprise as to why they are making way for HID and LED lights.

Maintenance Tips for Honda Headlights

Regular Cleaning & Maintenance Practices

Over time, environmental factors like UV rays, pollution, and road particles will take their toll on your headlights. It's important that you clean them with a microfiber cloth to remove any buildup and to avoid scratching the headlights. You can also prevent these by installing protective films or covers.

Common Headlight Issues

Flickering or weak illumination may result from wiring and connection problems and might be more apparent when traveling on uneven terrain. Check the wiring and connections to see if there is any wear and tear, corrosion, or cracks. This can also be performed as part of your regular maintenance to prevent more severe headlight issues from developing.

If the headlights are dull or appear weak, the headlight cover may be dirty, in which case a wipe should solve the issue. Otherwise, the bulbs themselves may have problems, such as reaching the end of their lifespan.

When to Replace Your Headlights

Cracked or broken headlights or those with a burned-out spot that results in poor illumination might be unable to be solved by the above measures and may warrant replacement.

Are Honda Headlights Expensive?

Honda's headlights are not any more expensive than their competitors'. The main price difference will lie in the type of technology the replacement you need uses. Expect to pay more if the lights are LEDs.

Where to Buy Genuine Honda Headlights Online

You can purchase brand-new genuine Honda headlights from your country's Honda and OEM parts retailers. A less expensive alternative is second-hand Honda headlights from a trusted parts dealer. If you're looking for Honda headlights in great condition at affordable prices, shop at BE FORWARD Auto Parts.